This contest is now closed. Thank you to all who entered! Winners will be announced by September 13.

“Imagine. To live out your life in a country not your own. Imagine it.” – Keija Parssinen, “The Ruins of Us”

This year’s One Read selection is rich with themes related to displacement, disconnection and a longing for the feeling of home. In 250 words or less, craft a tale that somehow explores this idea of being outside – outside of a culture, a community, a family. Evoke the feeling of being a stranger in a strange land, whether that land is a foreign country, your childhood home or even your own mind.

Entries may be submitted using this form, mailed or dropped off at any library or bookmobile. (See full rules below for details.) Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published on this site and winners will receive a $20 book store gift card.

Entries are due by Wednesday, September 4. Participants must be age 16 or older and residents of Boone or Callaway Counties. Read on for complete contest rules.Read More →

As part of this year’s One Read program and inspired by the themes of personal myth-making, superstition and family secrets in “The Tiger’s Wife, we challenged writers to craft a tale in which a secret is revealed or concealed. We received stories of deathbed confessions, affairs, love and loss–all told in no more than 250 words. Thank you to everyone who entered. Our two winners were Amy Ewing and Frank Montagnino.